You asked for it: here's a lengthy description of some of the fifes available out there.
My first choice would be the McDonagh 6-hole from Wilson Woods for $110. It's a redesign of the original McDonagh, which I initially resisted, but have since embraced. Available here:
http://fifeanddrum.com/
There is another manufacturer of the McDonagh fife (long story), Larry Trout. The Old Guard plays Larry's fifes. I know of only one vendor for it, Leo Brennan (who is a great guy). You can get Leo's contact information here:
http://www.fifedrum.org/bobbyc/leo3.htm
Skip Healy makes a real nice fife for $175. I'd recommend the standard or special models (6-hole) to begin with. Here's his site:
http://www.skiphealy.com/fifes.htm
Cooperman makes a wide variety of fifes, but I'd only recommend 2 of their lines. One is the concert series models (about $125.), which they designed (I think) in conjunction with David Migoya. It's the only one-piece fife still being made that I really like:
http://www.cooperman.com/concertfifes.htm
The other is the plastic tube fife. For $6. it can't be beat:
http://www.cooperman.com/traditionalfifes.htm
There are a couple of people making copies of the Ferrary fife, an excellent fife which hasn't been available since the 1970's. The Ferrary was, in essence, a copy of the Cloos, the legendary fife of the Civil War era. I don't have any experience with any of the Ferrary copies. Maybe Dave Migoya knows something about them.
Ralph Sweet makes a variety of fifes, and while Ralph is a lovely man, I don't care much for his fifes. However, Ralph, his wife and his son have each put together fife books which are invaluable. The books are The Fifers Delight, The Fifers Delightful Companion, and The Bread and Butter of Jamming. Check them out:
http://www.sweetheartflute.com/instruction.html
Jim, e-mail me privately if you have further questions. I would have e-mailed you all of this if I had your address. Some of the fluters might consider our exchange off-topic.
And Dave Migoya, if you're reading this, please put in your $.02 (that's $16.50 Canadian, right?).